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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Eight full tones above the key note where the scale begins and ends.






2. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






3. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






4. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






5. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






6. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






7. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






8. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






9. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






10. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






11. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






12. A composition written for nine instruments.






13. A hymn sung by the choir and congregation often in unison.






14. The movement of chords in succession.






15. Indicating speed.






16. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






17. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






18. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






19. The unit of musical rhythm.






20. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






21. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






22. Made up of five horizontal parallel lines and the spaces between them on which musical notation is written.






23. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






24. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






25. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






26. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






27. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






28. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






29. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






30. The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.






31. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






32. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






33. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






34. Successive notes of a key or mode either ascending or descending.






35. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






36. An instruction in sheet music to play softly. Abbreviated by a 'p'.






37. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






38. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






39. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






40. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.






41. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






42. Three to four movement orchestral piece - generally in sonata form.






43. A symbol indicating the note is to be raised by one semitone.






44. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






45. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






46. Movement in music where the characteristics are crisp and direct.






47. Passage for the entire ensemble or orchestra without a soloist.






48. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






49. First developed in the 8th century - methods of writing music.






50. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.